It’s no secret that children love animals. It’s no wonder then that some of the most popular children’s tales feature memorable animal characters – be it Lion Kings’s Simba or Jungle Book’s Bagheera. And what better way to initiate children into the fascinating world of animals than by bringing it to life in your own classrooms! With this interactive poster, you can take the little ones on a wildlife safari around the world. It has been designed to help you familiarise them with jungle animals (as well as some birds and sea creatures!) and inspire a sense of adventure. Designed as a map, the poster features 30+ animals and shows you where in the world they are most commonly found. With this map in tow, you’ll never have another kid asking if zebras have spots or where kangaroos live!But there’s more to this map than just geography; it’s a gateway to a world of exploration, imagination, and hands-on learning. We’ve also put together a set of 15 highly engaging animal-themed activities for preschoolers and toddlers you can use with this map. These activities include loose parts play, sensory play, fine motor skill development and much more! Read on.
Hands-on Animal Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
At Illumine, we believe that learning should be a joyful experience, especially for our youngest learners. That’s why we’ve curated a series of hands-on animal activities that perfectly complement the World Safari Map poster. These activities are designed to engage children’s curiosity, foster creativity, and help them build essential skills – all while having a wild time!
Whether you’re an early childhood educator or a daycare provider, these animal themed-activities work across learning contexts and can be readily included into your lesson plans. Every activity comes with detailed instructions and indicates additional materials (animal toys, craft supplies, colourful paper etc.) you may require. We’ve even added recommendations for books, songs, and video content which will help you add that extra magic. Go on and download your copy now!
Let’s take a look at some of the activities we’ve put together for you:
Loose Parts Play - A World of Sorting and Discovery
This set of activities revolve around loose parts play. It’s a wonderful way to engage children’s imagination as they explore the world of animals on the map. Discover how you can get children to sort animals by continents, go on exciting scavenger hunts, and even learn about animal migrations. Download here!
Dramatic Play - Becoming Animal Explorers
Fine motor skills are vital for young learners, and these activities are designed to enhance precision, control, and creativity. With these activities, children will have a blast with play-dough, engage in fun craft collages, and create art with animals from the map. Find them here!
Fine Motor Skills - Crafting and Creating with Animals
Dramatic play allows children to step into the shoes of animal explorers. They’ll embark on exciting rescue missions, explore animal habitats, and even get a taste of life in the wild. Get your copy now!
Science Exploration - Discovering Animal Habitats
Science comes to life as we delve into the diverse habitats of animals. These activities encourage kids to create animal habitat dioramas, investigate animal life cycles, and understand how their favourite animal adapts to its environment. Check them out here!
Circle Time Adventures - Learning About the World of Animals
Circle time becomes an exciting opportunity to cultivate sensitivity and build a better understanding of our furry friends. Children will learn more about geography, hear captivating stories, and even mimic animal sounds with this set of activities. Get them here!
To get started on these wildlife adventures with your little learners, simply download the whole bunch here. You’ll find step-by-step instructions and interesting book, song, and watch recommendation to make these activities an enriching and joyful experience. And don’t forget to download the World Safari Map to supplement all the teaching and learning.
With that, you’re all set for the wildest safari with your tiny tots!
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